Camelot makes more changes to UK Lottery

Camelot makes more changes to UK Lottery

The UK’s National Lottery will undergo a series of high-profile changes for the second time in two years this autumn.

Operator Camelot has announced that, from October, the main Lotto game will feature an additional 10 balls, with players having to select six balls from a total of 59.

Camelot – which doubled the cost of a ticket and added a raffle element to tickets in late 2013 - said Lotto will also offer larger rolling jackpots, with average jackpots expected to triple the level of current winning amounts.

“Lotto has enjoyed two years of consecutive growth since we re-invigorated the game in 2013 – and has already delivered over £250 million more to Good Causes than if we had done nothing to change the game,” said Andy Duncan, who became chief executive of Camelot UK Lotteries last year.

“What we’re announcing– offering players more chances than ever to become a millionaire on Lotto and bigger rolling jackpots – is part of our programme of continuous innovation and builds on Lotto’s ongoing success.”

TotallyGaming.com reported earlier this year that Gambling Commission statistics for the year to March 2015 show that Lottery participation is falling sharply, despite Camelot reporting a rise in revenues following the increase in ticket prices.

A study found that just 36 per cent of 4,000 people surveyed bought National Lottery draw tickets in the previous four weeks, compared to 41 per cent in 2014 and 47 per cent in 2013 – the last survey before the price of Lottery tickets was doubled to £2 in October 2013.

Camelot said that the chance of winning at least £1m on the new game will be better than winning the jackpot under the current Lotto format, with odds at one in just under 10 million, compared to one in just under 14 million at present.

A new ‘Millionaire Raffle’ game will accompany the main Lotto draw on both Saturdays and Wednesdays, guaranteeing at least two winners of £1m each week.

In addition, players will now win a free Lucky Dip ticket for a future Lotto draw by matching just two numbers on the main draw.

“New ideas and fresh, enticing prizes will keep the game healthy and thriving – ultimately delivering even more for players and Good Causes,” Duncan said.